In the heart of Israel’s agricultural innovation hub, a startup is making waves with a technology that sounds more like science fiction than farming. XtrION, an ag-tech company, is harnessing the power of electricity to supercharge plants, making them stronger, more nutritious, and more bountiful. The concept is as simple as it is revolutionary: connect plants to electrodes, just like Elon Musk’s Neuralink does for humans, and watch them thrive.
The technology, dubbed TEF (Tailored Electrical Fields), is the brainchild of CEO Matan Rosenfeld, COO Asaf Zerach, and Dr. Roy Winter. It’s a testament to their interdisciplinary expertise, blending physics, materials engineering, and neuroscience with agriculture. The trio has already made a name for themselves in the ag-tech world with their unique lighting solutions for crops. Now, they’re taking it a step further, quite literally electrifying the field.
The process begins with electrodes connected to the plants, acting like an ECG for humans, continuously monitoring the plant’s condition. The data collected helps identify when a plant is in distress, allowing for targeted interventions. For instance, if a plant needs more water or potassium, the system can instruct it to absorb more. This isn’t just about keeping plants alive; it’s about helping them reach their full potential.
The results speak for themselves. In trials, XtrION has increased coriander yield by 30%, strawberry fruit by 30%, and sugar content in strawberries by 15%. They’ve also enriched coriander with 50% more iron. But the benefits don’t stop at yield and nutrition. The electric field also acts as a natural pest repellent, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
The implications of this technology are vast. As the global population grows, so does the demand for food. Traditional farming methods are struggling to keep up, with increasing costs and decreasing returns. XtrION’s technology offers a promising solution, potentially becoming the fifth input in modern agriculture, alongside seeds, irrigation, pest protection, and fertilization.
However, the journey from lab to farm isn’t without its challenges. The company is currently in the testing and proof of concept stage, focusing on hydroponics and detached media growers. Traditional farmers, with their conservative approach, may take longer to adopt this innovative method. But as the company continues to prove its technology’s effectiveness, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a staple in the agricultural world.
XtrION’s success has already caught the eye of investors. The company has secured funding from the Innovation Authority, InNegev incubator, a German fund, and an Israeli angel investor. They’re currently in the process of raising additional funds to support their growth and development.
The road ahead is clear for XtrION. They’re not just electrifying plants; they’re sparking a revolution in agriculture. And as they continue to innovate, the world watches, eager to see what they’ll electrify next.
